Samsung Galaxy A13 vs A04s: Which Budget Phone Should You Choose?

The Samsung Galaxy A series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Galaxy A13 and the A04s. Both offer compelling value, but subtle differences could make one a better fit for your needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A13 edges out the A04s thanks to its significantly brighter display. While both offer excellent battery life and similar performance, the A13's superior screen makes it the better overall choice for most users, especially those who value outdoor visibility.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy A13	Samsung Galaxy A04s

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, March 04	2022, August 31
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 23	Available. Released 2022, September 22

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	165.1 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)	164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)
SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	195 g (6.88 oz)	195 g (6.88 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	-
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	PLS LCD	PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Exynos 850 (8 nm)	Exynos 850 (8 nm)
GPU	Mali-G52	Mali-G52
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)	-
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	720p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer
	Virtual proximity sensing	Virtual Proximity Sensing

Battery
Charging	15W wired	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Peach, Blue	Black, Green, White, Copper
Models	SM-A135F, SM-A135F/DS, SM-A135M, SM-A135U, SM-A135U1, SM-A135N	SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M
Price	€ 94.99 / $ 129.99 / £ 89.00	€ 133.89
SAR	0.49 W/kg (head)	-
SAR EU	0.37 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body)	0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 114h	Endurance rating 114h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal)	Contrast ratio: 1614:1
Loudspeaker	-29.7 LUFS (Average)	-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
Performance	AnTuTu: 122822 (v8), 136286 (v9) GeekBench: 588 (v5.1) GFXBench: 5.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 145123(v9) GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1) GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A13

Brighter Display (587 nits)
Potentially better camera system
Good overall value

May be slightly more expensive than A04s
Design may be less modern than A04s

Samsung Galaxy A04s

More affordable
Long battery life (114h endurance)
Slightly more modern design (likely)

Dimmer display (389 nits)
Potentially less versatile camera

Display Comparison

The display is a key differentiator. The A13 boasts a measured peak brightness of 587 nits, significantly higher than the A04s' 389 nits. Both offer a high contrast ratio (1324:1 for A04s, nominal for A13), but the A13's brightness advantage makes it much easier to see in sunlight. The A13 likely has a slightly better panel overall.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are not provided, but generally, the A13 has a slightly more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing. Both likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Further research on specific camera configurations is needed for a definitive comparison.

Performance

Both phones share the same Exynos 850 chipset and CPU configuration, meaning performance will be very similar. Expect smooth everyday tasks, but don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. Both are adequate for social media, browsing, and light gaming.

Battery Life

Both devices share the same impressive endurance rating of 114 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. Users can expect multiple days of use on a single charge with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy A13 is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant and bright display for media consumption and outdoor use. The A04s is a good option for those seeking a slightly more budget-friendly device with a focus on essential features and long battery life, and who don't heavily prioritize screen brightness.